“As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” saidAdministrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, announced today that SBA will close its Donaldsonville, Edgard, Gonzales, Gray, Kenner, Morgan City and Reserve Recovery Centers at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19. “SBA opened the centers to provide personalized assistance to businesses that were affected by Hurricane Francine that occurred Sept. 9–12,” said Sánchez.
Until the centers close, SBA customer service representatives will continue to meet with business owners to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their electronic loan application. No appointment is necessary.
ASCENSION PARISH
Business Recovery Center
Ascension Credit Union
2256 LA-70
Donaldsonville, LA 70346
Wednesdays – Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closes 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19
ASCENSION PARISH
Business Recovery Center
Ascension Credit Union
Small Business Center
2430 S. Burnside Ave.
Gonzales, LA 70737
Mondays – Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closes 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17
JEFFERSON PARISH
Business Recovery Center
Jefferson Parish Library
North Kenner Branch Library
630 W. Esplanade Ave.
Kenner, LA 70065
Wednesdays - Fridays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closes 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH
Disaster Loan Outreach Center
Westbank Library
2979 Hwy. 18
Edgard, LA 70049
Mondays - Fridays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closes 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH
Business Recovery Center
River Parishes Community College
181 Regala Park Rd.
Reserve, LA 70084
Mondays – Tuesdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closes 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17
ST. MARY PARISH
Business Recovery Center
St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce
727 Myrtle St.
Morgan City, LA 70380
Mondays - Fridays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Closes 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19
TERREBONNE PARISH
Business Recovery Center
Terrebonne Parish Library (North Branch)
4130 W. Park Ave.
Gray, LA 70359
Mondays - Fridays, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Closes 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19
Even though the deadline to apply for a loan for property damage has passed, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size still have until June 16, 2025, to apply for an economic injury disaster loan to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.
“SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez continued. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”
Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.